2010 Volkswagen Caddy 1.9L Diesel · FY60 ABU

A pattern of mostly clean MOT passes across four recorded tests is offset by a recent fail on the central exhaust mounting and fresh advisories on both rear shock absorbers, suggesting that wear-related deterioration is beginning to surface on a vehicle that has otherwise held its roadworthiness well. The most recent test on 3 August 2026 returned a pass, but with advisories for light oil misting on both rear shocks, an early indicator that the damping fluid is beginning to weep past internal seals. The 2025 test initially failed on an insecure central exhaust system before a same-day or near-simultaneous pass was issued once the component was addressed, and the 2023 and 2024 tests passed without any defects recorded. The overall trend is one of a generally compliant vehicle now entering a phase where age- and mileage-related wear items are beginning to require attention. With 206,372 miles accumulated over roughly sixteen years, this Caddy has averaged around 12,900 miles annually, a notably high rate of use that places greater mechanical demand on consumables and drivetrain components than a typical privately-owned example of the same age. There are no large gaps in the recorded test history to suggest extended periods off the road, and the absence of any very low-mileage years indicates the vehicle has been in regular service throughout, most likely in a commercial or fleet role consistent with the Caddy bodystyle. High annual mileage of this magnitude accelerates wear on brake discs and pads, suspension bushes and linkages, clutch and dual-mass flywheel assemblies, and engine sealing components, so buyers should expect that some of these parts will be closer to the end of their service life than the MOT record alone might imply. Given the advisory on both rear shock absorbers, particular attention should be paid during a test drive to ride quality over uneven surfaces, listening for any clonking or knocking from the rear suspension over speed humps and potholes, and checking whether the vehicle continues to oscillate more than once after being pushed down at the rear corner. Light oil misting at this stage often progresses to a heavier leak within a year or two, so it is worth inspecting the shock bodies directly for wetness and checking the rear tyres for uneven wear patterns that can develop as damping efficiency declines. The exhaust mounting failure recorded in 2025, while rectified at the time, is worth a re-check by jiggling the central section of the exhaust at the rubber hangers to confirm the mountings remain secure, and listening for any exhaust rattle on startup or over bumps. On a vehicle of this age and mileage, a broader inspection is warranted even though the MOT record itself is largely unremarkable. Front suspension components such as wishbone bushes, anti-roll bar drop links, and track rod ends commonly wear on high-mileage Caddys, so any clunking through the steering on full lock or over uneven roads should be noted. Brake pedal feel should be assessed for excessive travel or sponginess, and the vehicle should be pulled up firmly from speed to check for any pulling to one side, vibration through the steering wheel, or judder that would indicate warped front discs. Finally, the engine should be observed from cold start for excessive smoke and checked underneath for any signs of fluid leakage, as the cumulative effect of high mileage inevitably places demand on gaskets, seals, and undertray fastenings even on a vehicle with a clean recent MOT history.